Guidelines for Designing Interactive Omnidirectional Video Applications

Abstract

Interactive omnidirectional videos (iODV) can offer informative, entertaining, and immersive experiences, especially when combined with novel platforms such as head-mounted displays. However, omnidirectional videos, and interaction with them, present many unique challenges. In the absence of existing guidelines that accommodate for these challenges, we present dos and don'ts for designing and producing interactive omnidirectional videos. We base these guidelines on numerous interactive systems that we have produced in the recent years. Our work offers useful guidance for those working with omnidirectional videos, especially when designing interactivity and navigation within such systems.

Challenges of and Recommendations for Combining 6-DOF Spatial VR-Interaction with Spherical Videos

“…The literature uses many different names to refer to 360-video. Among them are 360-degree video [1], immersive video [1], surround video [9], omnidirectional video [14] and spherical video [8].…”

“…Furthermore, there are papers providing guidelines for designing interactive 360-video applications. Saarinen et al [14], for example, provide hints for recording 360-videos (viewpoint, objects close to camera), hints regarding the types of content lending themselves for good presentation in 360-videos, hints regarding prominence and visibility of interactive objects and paths, and recommendations for transitions between 360-videos.…”

Omnidirectional Video in Museums – Authentic, Immersive and Entertaining

“…Some applications have utilized also additional modalities [28]. Argyriou et al [1] as well as Saarinen et al [32] have presented guidelines for omnidirectional videos in their research. Simulators and other interactive installations in museums form one potential application of ODV.…”

The Effect of Camera Height, Actor Behavior, and Viewer Position on the User Experience of 360° Videos

“…Using an HMD is an immersive and enjoyable way of viewing 360° videos [10] [14]. Such setups have already been used in countless contexts, such as collaborative wayfinding activities [9], industrial maintenance tasks [20], cinematic virtual reality [4] [18] [19], and recreational simulator experiences [6] [20].…”